While most nursing mothers are able to produce plenty of milk for their babies, circumstances and some medical conditions can sometimes make it difficult for a mother to produce enough breast milk to feed her baby. These mothers often consider using a n herbal galactogogue such as fenugreek to boost their supply of milk. Do not take fenugreek or any other supplement without first talking with your doctor and your baby's pediatrician.
Function
Women have used fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) for centuries to increase milk supply after giving birth, explains the Kelly Mom website. The fenugreek plant's seeds contain phytoestrogens that are similar to hormonal precursors that trigger milk production, explains the Breastfeeding Online website. Nursing mothers take the supplement either to boost the supply of milk or as a long-term assistant to maintain milk supply. A common dosage of fenugreek to achieve an increase in breast milk supply is 3 500-mg pills, three times daily, taken with food.
Types
You can purchase fenugreek as a single-ingredient supplement in sprout, capsule, seed or powder form from nutrition stores or online vitamin stores. Some manufacturers sell fenugreek combined with other galactogogues such as blessed thistle as a tincture. In addition, combinations of fenugreek and other galactogogues are available as teas, both bagged and loose-leaf.
Side Effects
You might notice increased flatulence and other digestive concerns, such as changes in your bowel movements, while taking fenugreek. Some women develop a maple syrup smell to their urine and sweat while taking fenugreek supplements; according to the Kelly Mom website, this odor indicates you have achieved the appropriate dose for increasing milk supply. Your baby might also develop a maple-syrup like odor from consuming your breast milk while you take the supplement. Fenugreek is generally regarded as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for nursing mothers and babies and is used in other foods such as artificial maple syrup (pancake syrup) and curries.
Considerations
Supplements such as fenugreek are not regulated by the FDA, and can vary widely in their strength and concentration. Fenugreek tea is a weaker form of the supplement, so you might need to consume a significant quantity of the tea to achieve the same effect as taking the supplement in capsule or another form. Some women find that fenugreek increases their supply of breast milk within a few days after starting the supplement, but others find that it takes up to two weeks to notice any increase. Continued frequent pumping or breastfeeding is necessary, as the supply of breast milk relies on the demand, or removal of milk from the breasts. Fenugreek could lower your blood glucose concentration and might not be appropriate for nursing mothers with diabetes.
